Human nature generally indicates that we are able to love the people who love us. Unsaved men and women prove this to be true. Loving those that love us comes naturally, and although there may well be a selfish motive underlying human love, Jesus tells us that if you only love those that love you, there is no credit connected with this in God's divine administration. Loving, lending, and giving to others, too often has an ulterior motive. Financial institutions, for example, only lend to those they are confident will repay. But, whether it's a friendly bank or a kindly person lending to others, there is generally an expectation that they will be receiving some sort of remuneration. This may be the way of the world, but Jesus introduced a heavenly standard that can only be implemented in a redeemed life - as empowered from above. Jesus called upon us to love our enemies as well as our friends. We are to love our adversaries and pray for those that are antagonistic towards us. We are to love those that oppose us and are hostile towards us, and we are exhorted to do good to them. Jesus even calls us to do good and to lend to others while expecting nothing in return. This is not normal human behavior, but is unmistakably The Conduct The Lord Expects from a Christian who is honoring Him in their action towards others. This teaching of the Lord Jesus has nothing to do with justification. We do not become children of God by being good or offering interest-free loans to other people. We are saved by grace through faith in the sacrificial work and glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ - and this is non negotiable. May the love and grace of Christ fill our hearts, so that we will manifest the love of God to others, in word and in deed, and become a reflection of Christ Jesus our Savior and bring honor and glory to His holy name. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, our own, human love is found wanting and without the love of Christ flowing through us, We are incapable of living as You would have us to live. Fill us, day by day, with the love of Christ so that we may love our enemies, pray for those that despitefully use us, and show goodness and grace to others in need. Help us to reflect the godly characteristics of Christ in our everyday life, to His praise and glory. This we ask in His precious name, AMEN. |
Prayer
We are a growing group of people praying daily for and with others. We were led to start an online ministry to deliver what is needed more now than ever, a place where you can go to easily to submit a prayer request or requests involving others to pray for your needs. The Power of Prayer. Matthew 18:20- For where two or more come together in my name, there I am among them. You are never alone in prayer. The Power Of Numbers Praying.
We ask you to pray for this ministry, for its success in helping others in need of prayer. Archives
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